Tren de la Araucanía

The black smoke of the 1940 Baldwin Type 80 steam engine puffs into the sky as it chugs through the forests and over the rivers of the Araucanía. Some of the riders in these passenger cars are reliving memories of long-ago rail journeys. Many others, though, especially the children, are taking their very first journey by train. The dining car is a real gem on this Tren de la Araucanía, a 1930 Linhke Hofmann Werke wagon of caoba wood lit by brass and crystal fixtures. The Baldwin takes its passengers as far as Victoria, January-March and August-November. Once a year, a special, longer expedition is undertaken.

Location:
Avenida Barros Arana 0565
Temuco, Chile

Other Activity Types:
Train ride

Getting There
The train departs from the Museo Nacional Ferroviario Pablo Neruda, which is about a kilometer (half-mile) from the center; walk or take microbus number 1, 4B or 9, or colectivo taxi 20.

Travel Tips: The tentative 2009 schedule is: January 25, February 15-22, March 29, August 30, September 27, October 18; special charter November 25-26. Tickets usually go on sale the beginning of the month the train will travel and sell out quickly. For more information about fares and schedules, contact the Museo Nacional Ferroviario Pablo Neruda.

Price Description: Adults $10, children and seniors $6 (2008 fares).

Relative price: Mid-Range

Open Hours from:Sunday 10:40 a.m.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: If on a budget, take a picnic lunch. Also don’t forget the camera.

Browse the city’s several art galleries, its Museo Regional de la Araucanía and the Museo Nacional Ferroviario Pablo Neruda; hike through Monumento Nacional Cerro Ñielol.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

Contact Information:
Phone: 97-3940 / 97-3941
E-mail: museoferroviario(at)remove-this.temucochile.com
URL: www.museoferroviariotemuco.cl

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 16 Dec 2008

Updated: 06 Jul 2009

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